JEAN-CHRISTOPHE BARBE `Château Mouras` Graves 2006 Producer Jean-Christophe Barbe studied at the University of Bordeaux and did his thesis on .pourriture noble., or noble rot, the botrytis that make Sauternes so special. Today, he instructs the youth of Bordeaux in winemaking while running the family property, Château Laville, in Sauternes. Château Delmond is the second wine of Château Laville. Jean-Christophe also has some red varieties planted at Laville, which are used to produce the excellent value Château Mahon-Laville. Château Mouras is from his other family vineyard in the Graves. Vineyards Jean-Christophe only has 6 hectares of red grape varieties in the little communes of Portets, Illats et Landiras. The average age of the vines is 20 years old. Vinification Leaf plucking took place in July to ensure the fruit was fully exposed to the sunlight so that full ripening could take place. Jean-Christophe also carried out a green harvest at veraison to reduce yields and improve concentration. The grapes were hand-picked then spent nearly four weeks on skins at 28°C- 30°C. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation at 22°C. It was aged for 12 months in oak vats. Tasting Notes This wine has a lovely berry fruit on the nose and a supple texture on the palate with the attractive mineral character that defines the appellation of Graves. Dark fruit and spice dominate the mid-palate providing excellent depth that is supported by firm but ripe tannins. Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £100.24 (Including VAT at 20%)